Preliminary Results of CT Scan: Stable is a good thing?

missbabsonmars

I will be discussing the CT report in detail with my oncologist next week. However, he sent me this message:

"The CT showed no significant change, indicating stable disease compared to the last exam. Dont' be depressed about the stable finding, it is one of the goal of the treatment. Not all can achieve further response, stable disease is considered good."

Well, I am trying not to be depressed because I was really hoping that the chemo. would kill off more of the cancer cells!

Can anyone share what they know about stabilization vs. elimination?

Thanks!

Babs

lindaprocopio

I'd take 'stable' over 'disease progression' ANY day!
If you are symptom-free, then 'stable' means you will continue to feel symptom-free. & I've always said, "If you FEEL healthy, it's almost (almost) as good as BEING healthy". Some chemo drugs can beat back cancer; some can hold it from growing. If you are held 'stable', locked into a good place where you have a high quality of life, then stable is GOOD NEWS. With a chronic disease like cancer, stable is good.

I'd LOVE to be NED. But I am delighted to join you as 'stable'. (((Babs)))

Rewriter

lindaprocopio said:

I'd take 'stable' over 'disease progression' ANY day!
If you are symptom-free, then 'stable' means you will continue to feel symptom-free. & I've always said, "If you FEEL healthy, it's almost (almost) as good as BEING healthy". Some chemo drugs can beat back cancer; some can hold it from growing. If you are held 'stable', locked into a good place where you have a high quality of life, then stable is GOOD NEWS. With a chronic disease like cancer, stable is good.

I'd LOVE to be NED. But I am delighted to join you as 'stable'. (((Babs)))

Goals of cancer treatment
Babs,

I was suggest reading the article except posted under the thread "remission," which says that a major goal of treatment is to CONTROL the cancer and keep it from growing. Thus, what Linda says is so true: "If you are symptom free, then 'stable' means you will continue to feel symptom free."

Enjoy the way you FEEL, and try to regard your CT results as a victory--again, as Linda says, you are "locked into a good place."

We're with you, Babs.


Jill

kkstef

Rewriter said:

Goals of cancer treatment
Babs,

I was suggest reading the article except posted under the thread "remission," which says that a major goal of treatment is to CONTROL the cancer and keep it from growing. Thus, what Linda says is so true: "If you are symptom free, then 'stable' means you will continue to feel symptom free."

Enjoy the way you FEEL, and try to regard your CT results as a victory--again, as Linda says, you are "locked into a good place."

We're with you, Babs.


Jill

YUP...Linda is correct
Enjoy feeling good, Babs!....that is definitely a good place to be! Enjoy the beauty of each new day! I never REALLY understood the saying to "Stop and Smell the Roses" until I got through my treatment!

Best to you always! Karen

Rewriter

Rewriter said:

Goals of cancer treatment
Babs,

I was suggest reading the article except posted under the thread "remission," which says that a major goal of treatment is to CONTROL the cancer and keep it from growing. Thus, what Linda says is so true: "If you are symptom free, then 'stable' means you will continue to feel symptom free."

Enjoy the way you FEEL, and try to regard your CT results as a victory--again, as Linda says, you are "locked into a good place."

We're with you, Babs.


Jill

Typos!
Gee--I just reread my post. The first sentence should read "I would suggest reading the article excerpt..."

I hope you are doing well tonight, Babs.